President Bola Tinubu has directed the immediate installation of more than 5,000 surveillance cameras across Plateau State to strengthen security following the recent killings in Jos. The directive was issued on Thursday during a town hall meeting with political and traditional leaders in the state, days after the Palm Sunday attack in Angwan Rukuba that claimed over 27 lives.
Tinubu explained that the cameras would provide law enforcement agencies with real-time monitoring tools to identify perpetrators quickly. He invited the Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, to outline the plan. Tijani confirmed that the cameras would be powered by artificial intelligence and deployed first in Jos before expanding across the state. He added that similar systems are already operational in Lagos and Enugu, demonstrating their effectiveness in enhancing security responses.
The President acknowledged the pain of victims’ families, noting that no amount of compensation could replace lost lives. He promised government support and announced plans to establish a committee to assess damages and recommend compensation. The committee will include Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang and the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs. Tinubu emphasized that while human lives cannot be replaced, the government would provide comfort and assistance to affected families.
Tinubu also directed security chiefs, including the Inspector-General of Police and the Chief of Defence Staff, to arrest those responsible for the attacks. He commended the armed forces and police for their ongoing efforts but stressed the need to intensify operations to uncover and prosecute the killers.
During the meeting, Tinubu sympathized with victims, including a woman identified as Rhoda, who lost her son in the attack. He reiterated that the government’s priority is to protect citizens and restore peace in Plateau State.
Minister Tijani expressed personal anguish over the recurring violence in Jos, noting that the crisis has persisted for more than two decades. He assured residents that his ministry would fully support the initiative, combining digital infrastructure with advanced surveillance technology to improve security outcomes.
Plateau State has long struggled with communal and ethnic tensions, often resulting in violent clashes. The deployment of surveillance cameras represents a new approach aimed at curbing violence, enhancing accountability, and restoring public confidence in security measures.
By combining technology with law enforcement, the Federal Government hopes to create a safer environment for residents while addressing the root causes of insecurity. Tinubu expressed confidence that the initiative would mark a turning point in Plateau’s security landscape.
